Donald Trump on Syria Troop Withdrawal

Quotes by Donald Trump on Withdrawing US Troops from Syria

THEN
NOW


Dec 2018
2019

Donald Trump on Syria Troop Withdrawal Then
Donald Trump on Syria Troop Withdrawal Now


#DonaldTrump 12/19/18: "It’s time for our troops ❲in Syria❳ to come back home…they’re coming back now." » #Trump 2/3/19: "They’ll be going to our base in Iraq, and ultimately some will be coming home." Click To Tweet

Quotes by Donald Trump on Withdrawing US Troops from Syria

THEN

Dec 2018

Donald Trump on Syria Troop Withdrawal Then
“We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.”
“We have won against ISIS. We have beaten them and we have beaten them badly. We have taken back the land and now it’s time for our troops to come back home… Our boys, our young women, our men, they’re all coming back. And they’re coming back now. We won. And that’s the way we want it. And that’s the way they [our troops who died fighting ISIS] want it.”
- Dec 19, 2018

NBC News, Dec 19, 2018
U.S. troops to leave Syria as President Trump declares victory over ISIS

(retrieved 1/30/19)
quote starts at 0:08

NOW

2019

Donald Trump on Syria Troop Withdrawal Now
“The Failing New York Times has knowingly written a very inaccurate story on my intentions on Syria. No different from my original statements, we will be leaving at a proper pace while at the same time continuing to fight ISIS and doing all else that is prudent and necessary!”
“Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions. Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms. Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds.”
“[Our troops are] starting to [come home], as we gain the remainder, the final remainder of the caliphate of the area, they’ll be going to our base in Iraq, and ultimately some will be coming home… We have to protect Israel. We have to protect other things that we have. But we’re- yeah, they’ll be coming back in a matter of time.”
Feb 3, 2019 -
“Now, as we work with our allies to destroy the remnants of ISIS, it is time to give our brave warriors in Syria a warm welcome home.”
Feb 6, 2019 -

State of the Union Speech

CNN, Feb 6, 2019
State of the Union 2019: Read the full transcript

(retrieved 2/6/19)
“The United States was supposed to be in Syria for 30 days, that was many years ago. We stayed and got deeper and deeper into battle with no aim in sight… The Kurds fought with us, but were paid massive amounts of money and equipment to do so. They have been fighting Turkey for decades. I held off this fight for almost 3 years, but it is time for us to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars, many of them tribal, and bring our soldiers home… Turkey, Europe, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Russia and the Kurds will now have to figure the situation out.”


#DonaldTrump 12/19/18: "It’s time for our troops ❲in Syria❳ to come back home…they’re all coming back. And they’re coming back now." » #Trump 10/7/19: "It is time for us to get out." Click To Tweet

Context

On December 19, 2018, Donald Trump declared that the United States is withdrawing military forces from Syria because the war against ISIS was over. Defense Secretary James Mattis resigned the following day.1New York Times, Dec 19, 2018
Trump to Withdraw U.S. Forces From Syria, Declaring ‘We Have Won Against ISIS’
retrieved 1/30/19
2CNN, March 1, 2019
Trump surprises allies, claims US-backed forces reclaimed 100% of ISIS territory in Syria
retrieved 3/2/19


“While ISIS is nearing territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria, the group has returned to its guerrilla warfare roots while continuing to plot attacks and direct its supporters worldwide. ISIS is intent on resurging and still commands thousands of fighters in Iraq and Syria.”

– Director of U.S. National Intelligence Dan Coats, Jan 28, 20193Time, Jan 29, 2019
Trump’s Own Intelligence Chief Contradicted Him Several Times
retrieved 3/2/19